Koh Samui: Private Longtail Boat to Pig Island with Snorkel

Pig Island is exactly as odd and cheerful as it sounds: pigs wander along a white-sand beach while you swim in shallow, clear water nearby. This private longtail boat trip combines that unusual stop with snorkeling around Koh Tan, giving you a half-day on the water without joining a large group.

I like the private boat, because you can spend longer with the pigs, shorten the snorkeling stop, or return early if you have had enough sun. I also like the friendly local feel: your Thai captain handles the boat, takes you between the islands, and may help with photos, but does not act as a formal guide.

The main catch is that snorkeling at Koh Tan depends on sea conditions. Visibility and fish life can be modest, and the stop may be canceled for safety. The boat ride, beach, sun, and pigs are the reliable parts of the outing.

Key things to know before booking

• Private longtail boat: The boat is reserved for your group, with a local captain rather than a tour guide.
• Koh Madsum’s pigs: You get around two and a half hours for swimming, relaxing, and seeing the pigs and dogs.
• Koh Tan snorkeling: Masks and life jackets are supplied, but the stop depends on weather and the sea.
• Early starts help: An 8 a.m. departure can get you to Pig Island before it becomes busier.
• Meeting point only: Hotel transfers are not included. You meet near Thong Krut Pier 15 minutes before departure.
• Extra costs: Koh Madsum charges an entry fee of 50 THB per person. Food, drinks, and pig food cost extra.

Why Pig Island makes this trip different

Koh Madsum, usually called Pig Island, is the reason most people choose this boat trip. The pigs belong to a local family and live on the island with dogs. They are accustomed to people, but they are still animals, not tame beach props.

You can watch them wander through the sand, feed them with food sold on the island, and see piglets running around near the beach. Some are quite eager when food appears, so keep your hands clear and treat them with care. A bite could mean medical treatment and rabies shots, which is a serious reason not to get careless for the sake of a photograph.

The beach setting is simple and pleasant. You get white sand, clear shallow water, shade, seats, and places to buy food and drinks. The water close to shore is gentle enough for relaxed swimming, although conditions can change with the weather and tide.

I would set your expectations correctly. This is not an untouched island where you will be alone all day. Pig Island has food and drink sellers, pig food, and other activities such as kayaking or jet skis. The early morning time slot is the best choice if you want quieter photographs and a calmer first hour. After about 10 a.m., the beach can feel busier.

The pigs are the attraction, but the long free period matters too. You are not hurried from one photo stop to another. You can swim, sit in the shade, watch the animals, eat something, and simply enjoy being off Koh Samui.

Leaving from Thong Krut Pier

You meet at Naphat Tour near Thong Krut Pier, arriving about 15 minutes before your booked start time. The provider sends more precise meeting information after booking, so check your email rather than relying only on a map pin.

Thong Krut is on Koh Samui’s southern coast. Since hotel pickup is not included, you need to arrange your own taxi or other transport to the pier. This is an important cost and time detail, especially if you are staying far from the south coast. One booking party needed roughly 50 minutes in a taxi, though local taxis were considered reasonably priced.

Once you arrive, staff direct you to your private longtail boat. The longtail is part of the appeal. You are close to the water, the ride feels distinctly Thai, and you avoid the fixed seating and larger group rhythm of a shared excursion.

The captain usually speaks basic English. You should be able to manage simple communication about swimming, stopping, and returning, but you should not expect detailed explanations about marine life or island history. If you want a full guiding service, this is not that kind of trip.

The longtail ride to Koh Tan

The usual plan is to visit Koh Tan first, if the sea allows. The crossing takes about 30 minutes according to the schedule, followed by a snorkeling stop that can last around 10 minutes in the listed route timing, though the private format gives some flexibility.

Koh Tan is the better place for seeing fish and coral on this outing. You receive a snorkel mask and life jacket, and the captain takes you to a suitable spot when conditions allow. Some outings have included colorful fish, coral, and clear enough water for an enjoyable swim.

Do not book this trip solely for a major snorkeling session. Visibility can be poor, and the underwater life may be pleasant rather than spectacular. The island stop is the stronger part of the experience for most people, while snorkeling works best as a bonus.

Sea conditions decide what happens. If the water is rough or unsafe, Koh Tan snorkeling may be skipped, and you can spend more time at Koh Madsum instead. There is no partial refund when the snorkeling stop cannot operate because of the sea. That policy is fair from a safety point of view, but it matters if snorkeling is your main goal.

The captain may adjust the order of the stops. Some trips go to Pig Island first and snorkel later, depending on conditions and timing. A private boat lets you express a preference, though the captain still has the final say on safety.

Two and a half hours on Koh Madsum

The schedule allows roughly 2.5 hours at Pig Island, enough time to enjoy the place without turning it into a full-day outing. The beach is the main stage, with pale sand, shallow water, shade, seats, and food and drink options.

You can begin with the pigs while the group is fresh, then cool off in the sea. The water around the beach is often shallow and clear, which makes it a good choice for families with young children, although the tour itself is not suitable for children under two.

The pigs can be funny, greedy, and surprisingly energetic. Piglets may race around the beach, and larger pigs may crowd close when food is available. Feed only as directed, keep small children close, and avoid placing fingers near an animal’s mouth. The local family cares for the animals, but the tour provider is not responsible for their behavior.

There are dogs on the island too. If you are uncomfortable around free-roaming animals, the Pig Island concept may be less charming in person than it sounds in a brochure. If you enjoy animal encounters but want to keep things sensible, watch first and feed only when you feel comfortable.

The island also gives you a chance to do nothing. This is useful after the boat ride and snorkeling. Bring a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and swimwear, and consider bringing your own water and snacks even though food and drinks are available to buy.

Returning by private longtail boat

After your island time, you board the same private boat and return toward Thong Krut. The listed route includes about 30 minutes for the return water transport, but weather and sea conditions can alter the timing.

One major benefit of having a private boat is control. If you have had enough swimming, you can ask to return. If the group wants more time on the island, the captain may be able to accommodate that, subject to the booked duration and conditions. Some groups have returned early, while others spent nearly three hours on Pig Island because they enjoyed it so much.

Do not assume every trip will last exactly four hours. The stated duration is four hours, but actual timing can change with weather, sea conditions, the chosen route, and how long you want at each stop. One outing ended after a little over two and a half hours because the group had completed both activities. That flexibility can be useful, but it also means you should clarify your plan with the captain at the start.

The boat ride itself can be sunny and exposed. Bring sun protection, and keep valuables in a dry bag if you have one. Rain in Thailand can arrive quickly, so a light waterproof layer may be sensible even when the morning begins bright.

What the $93 private price really buys you

The listed price is $93 for a group of up to two people. That is not the cheapest way to reach Pig Island, but the comparison is not just boat against boat.

You are paying for a private longtail, a local captain, water, snorkel equipment, and the ability to shape the day around your own group. For a couple who values privacy, the cost can be good value. You are not waiting for a large party, and you do not have to leave the island when a shared boat’s schedule says it is time.

The price becomes less attractive if you plan to skip snorkeling and spend only a short time at Pig Island. A brief boat ride to the island and back can feel expensive, especially after adding your taxi to Thong Krut, the 50 THB per-person entry fee, and any food, drinks, pig food, or water activities.

The strongest value comes when you use the private arrangement properly. Choose an early start, take your time on the beach, use the snorkeling option if conditions are good, and tell the captain what pace suits you. If you only want a quick visit, compare other boat options before booking.

Who will enjoy this outing most

This trip fits couples, small families, and friends who want a private half-day rather than a full-day island cruise. It is especially good for you if you like unusual stops, simple beach time, and the freedom to change the pace.

Families can appreciate the shallow water and relaxed island time, though adults need to supervise children around the pigs and dogs. The private boat also reduces the stress of keeping a young family on someone else’s timetable.

It is less suitable if you get seasick, have back problems, are pregnant, or have mobility limitations. The longtail boat is not suitable for wheelchair users, and getting on and off at the pier or beach may be awkward. The trip is also not recommended for children under two.

Strong snorkelers may want a dedicated snorkeling tour with more underwater time and more reliable marine conditions. Pig Island is the better reason to book this experience. The snorkeling is a useful extra, not a guaranteed headline attraction.

Practical details that can make the day better

Book the earliest available time if you want the best chance of seeing Pig Island before the crowds. An 8 a.m. departure has helped some groups reach the beach early, with a quiet first stretch before later arrivals.

Bring cash for the 50 THB entry fee, food, drinks, and pig food. Hotel transfers are not included, so leave enough time to reach Thong Krut Pier and find Naphat Tour before your start time.

Pack:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Water and snacks
• Cash
• A waterproof pouch for phones
• Motion-sickness medicine if you know you need it

The captain may take photographs for you, but this is not guaranteed as part of the service. Communication is basic, so use simple phrases and gestures. At the start, confirm whether the plan is Koh Tan first or Pig Island first, and say clearly if you prefer more swimming, more snorkeling, or an earlier return.

The provider allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start and offers reserve-now, pay-later booking. If conditions are unsafe, you can reschedule or receive a full refund. Poor snorkeling conditions alone do not qualify for a partial refund, so keep that distinction in mind.

Should you book the Koh Samui Pig Island trip?

I would book this tour if you want a private, easygoing island outing with a memorable animal stop and a local longtail boat. The pigs, shallow beach, flexible timing, and smaller scale give it more personality than a standard shared cruise.

I would not book it if your only goal is top-quality snorkeling, a fully narrated tour, or hotel-to-hotel convenience. You must reach Thong Krut yourself, the captain speaks only basic English, and sea conditions may remove the Koh Tan stop.

For most couples, the private format is the deciding point. Choose an early departure, bring cash and sun protection, treat the pigs carefully, and view snorkeling as a welcome extra. With those expectations, this is a fun and distinctive way to spend half a day from Koh Samui.

FAQ

How long is the Koh Samui Pig Island tour?

The scheduled duration is four hours, but the exact timing can change with weather, sea conditions, the route, and how long you choose to stay at each stop.

Is the boat private?

Yes. The tour uses a private longtail boat for your group, with a local Thai captain.

Can I snorkel at Koh Tan?

You can snorkel at Koh Tan if sea conditions are suitable. The activity is not guaranteed, and there is no partial refund if unsafe conditions prevent the stop.

Is the Koh Madsum entry fee included?

No. Koh Madsum charges 50 THB per person, payable separately.

Are hotel transfers included?

No. You must make your own way to Naphat Tour near Thong Krut Pier and arrive about 15 minutes before departure.

Is the tour suitable for children and people with mobility needs?

The tour is not suitable for children under two, pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or people prone to seasickness. Children who can manage the boat and beach require close supervision around the pigs and dogs.